Impacts of Cash Transfers on Child Neurodevelopment (Auxilio Brasil)
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study examines the impact of Auxilio Brasil (AB), a cash transfer program to mothers of school-age children, on resource-deprived populations in Brazil and its protective effects on child neurodevelopment and mental health. The investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial (RCT) among those already receiving AB in which 300 families will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a high ($40/month) or low ($2/month) supplemental transfer for 2 years. Three hundred children (index child participants; 7-10 years old) will be enrolled across both study arms. Additionally, up to 150 siblings ("sibling participants;" 7-10 years old) will be enrolled. Eligible families who decide to participate will sign a study-specific informed consent (mother) and assent (child) form. The UNIFESP team will conduct the respective assessments at baseline, approximately 8- and 16- months, 24-months and approximately 6-months post-RCT. Aim 1: Determine the impact of high vs low cash transfers on children's exposure to adversities (ACEs) and neurodevelopment. Aim 2: Determine the impact of cash transfers on children's inflammatory markers and HPA activity/cortisol. Exploratory Aim: The investigators will explore (i) whether sex/gender of the children moderates the pathways in the above mediation model; and (ii) whether cash transfer-related effects persist 6 months post-RCT.
Eligibility Criteria
Mother: Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 23-45 years old 2. Receiving AB cash transfers 3. Has at least two or more children ages 7- 10 years old at time of recruitment (up to 4 children per family) 4. Able to consent Exclusion Criteria: 1\. Mother and child do not reside in same household Child: Inclusion Criterion 1. Age 7-10 years old 2. Intellectual Disability Exclusion Criterion 1. Does not reside in same household as the mother 2. Major Axis I disorder (e.g., Autism, Schizophrenia, Bipolar) 3. Severe Disability 4. MRI contradictions (index child only)